Veteran’s Day is the official United States holiday to honor those who have served in the U.S. military, regardless of time of war or time of peace. First established to commemorate the end of World War I President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11, 1919 as Armistice Day. Following World War II and the Korean War, it would be renamed Veteran’s Day. Whatever the day is named it is a day to show solemn pride in the heroism of those who died and with gratitude for the victory. This was and continues to be an opportunity to show sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.  

Each military branch has its purpose, its honors, and its fame. Please take today to honor those who have fought to defend our country, its values, and its interests since its founding. Think about what their values can mean for you and how you can honor all that they have fought for you to have. Freedom is not free, but you are free to have gratitude and appreciation. I think today of the mottos of each of the military branches and what it can mean for me to show my appreciation and reflection of the service of our veterans.  

The United States Army, “This We’ll Defend,” a defining spirit for America sense 1778 when the United States defeated the British and the focus was now placed upon protecting the newly found nation. With a consistent purpose to deploy, fight and win wars through land dominance. Service for ground forces and protecting what we value-land, resources, and our people. Holding true to defend the country as one nation, indivisible.  

U.S. Air Force, “Aim High…Fly, Fight, Win.” Providing with a top cover for America and acting as steward of the sky. With our increasing reliance on technology and connection through air waves this takes on a whole new level of need and defense. Air Force supplying us this freedom in air, space and cyberspace. The partnership and integrity needed not just through flight but innovation and a call to action with a response to commitment. 

Things can get lost in translations, with the meaning in the original language holding more power or feeling without a true exact equivalent. The other three branches of the U.S. Military have mottos or associations that are Latin in origin, and I hope that they still hold the full meaning when you see them translated.  

U.S. Marine Corps, “Semper Fidelis” adapted from “Per Mare, Per Terram”. Semper fidelis means “always faithful” or “always loyal” and often gets shortened to Semper Fi with an enthusiastic “ooh rah” affirmation, approval, resilience, and determination. Per Mare, Per Terram borrowed from the Royal Marines translates to “by sea, by land”.  Both are phrases that say that regardless of terrain, the marines will serve with honor, courage, and commitment.  

U.S. Navy has no official motto but “Semper Fortis” is often used and translates into “Always Powerful” and “Always Courageous,” with a focus on being ever strong and doing this not for self, but for others America’s Navy is “Forged by the Sea” battling the incredible beast of the water with courage, commitment and honor through comfort, victory, or rescue. The world’s ocean is one continuous body of water, with so many flexible borders, it has the power to connect and the power to divide, weathering the storms and finding depths and distances that can be unsurmountable.

U.S. Coast Guard, “Semper Paratus” meaning “Always Ready.” The most famous interpretation and demonstration of the motto in the form of a 1928 song and march. Being always ready to fight and save or fight and die, through storms and winds. Making a difference for the economic, national and border security in land, sea, or sky. Protecting maritime safety, security and stewardship keeping the territorial integrity of the nation.